In the past year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has seen an increase in the number of measles cases in the United States. According to the CDC, almost all U.S. measles cases in 2013 involved patients who were infected overseas or caught the disease from someone who had traveled internationally. A recent case of an unvaccinated college student in San Francisco who may have exposed thousands to measles highlights the problem of unvaccinated students who travel overseas and are not immunized.
Whether it is an international flight or spending time in another country, anyone who is not vaccinated is at risk of getting infected or putting others at risk when they travel internationally, even if just for Spring Break.
It is important to evaluate your travel risk if you are:
- Participating in an overseas mission or voluntaeer program
- Planning an international adventure or vacation
- Visiting a friend or relatives in another country
- Studying abroad
What to do:
Review your immunization status and make sure your vaccinations are current before traveling outside the US, particularly your measles vaccination. You can check your record by logging into your MyUHS account. If your UHS record is not up-to-date, check with your childhood and/or current healthcare provider to obtain records.
If you need vaccinations, check with your insurance to determine the most appropriate place to obtain your travel vaccinations and if they are covered.
For more information about the travel clinic and consultation, view the travel section of the UHS website.